Ways to Reduce Energy Costs at Your Industrial Facility

Did you know that the industrial sector alone contributes to almost one-fourthof all energy  usage in the United States as of 2017? Powering an industrial facility definitely takes a lot of energy, but much of this energy is actually being wasted through inefficient technology, air compressor leaks, faulty equipment, and other high-energy consumers. Follow these tips to minimize waste and reduce your facility’s overall energy costs.

Perform an Energy Audit

An energy audit is a great tool to find out where your energy is really going. Hire an energy specialist from an outside agency to analyze your consumption. They will conduct a comprehensive audit to calculate how much energy you use to power the various components of your facility and then determine your biggest energy wasters. The auditor will also be able to identify areas where you can save on energy and provide you with specific recommendations on some improvements that you can make to maximize your facility’s energy efficiency.

Limit Electricity Usage During Peak Hours

Peak hours are when electricity rates increase, usually occurring in the afternoon when temperatures are at their highest. Running equipment during these hours can cost your business a significant amount of money each year. Your audit should reveal what pieces of equipment use up the most energy. Try limiting the operation of this equipment to those cheaper off-peak hours and you’ll notice a big reduction in your utility costs.

Address Leaky Air Compressors

Air compressors can be a huge source of energy waste for industrial facilities, especially when they have a leak present. Just one small leak can cost your business hundreds of dollars a year in extra energy costs. Multiple leaks? That’s thousands of dollars being thrown away on energy annually. To keep this from happening to you, it’s essential to ensure your air compressor is properly maintained on a strict routine schedule.

Leaks can be caused by loose tubes and hoses, missing seals, or worn-out materials. A qualified technician will be able to identify leaks and other issues before they progress into major problems that cost your business a lot of money. Even dirty filters can make your air compressor less efficient, causing it to work harder and use more energy than usual. A preventative maintenance plan can help you avoid the excessive energy costs that are associated with using a poorly maintained air compressor. It’s recommended to have a professional visit your facility on a predetermined schedule to make sure your unit is in prime running condition and as efficient as possible.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting

Switching to energy-efficient lighting is an easy and relatively inexpensive way for your business to reduce costs. Upgrading your fluorescent lights to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) will not only save on energy, but they also provide a higher quality of lighting that can improve workplace safety as well as the productivity of your employees. Of course, you can boost your savings even more by turning off all unnecessary light during non-operational hours.

Evaluate Your HVAC System

HVAC systems account for a significant portion of a building’s monthly energy usage. To reduce costs, you should make sure that your system is performing optimally. It will need regular maintenance by an HVAC professional to maximize its overall efficiency. This will likely involve filter changes, duct cleaning, airflow checks, and other inspections. If you have been using the same system for a long time, you might also consider upgrading your unit. Newer HVAC systems are simply more efficient and reliable as they are less prone to breaking down than older models.

Another enhancement you might consider is a programmable thermostat, which allows you to automate temperature settings. You’ll be able to program the system to change to a certain temperature during specific times of the day. The thermostat will automatically adjust to the temperature that you’ve selected, so you won’t have to worry if you forgot to change it yourself during those costly peak hours.

Power Off Equipment

Unnecessary energy costs may come electronic equipment whose power is not off before leaving work. Remind workers to turn off any equipment that they’ve been using before they leave.

For maximum savings, you should include not only heavy-duty machinery but also lamps, computers, and any other component that runs on electricity. You can save a large amount of energy just by turning the power off on your electronic components

Keep Equipment Maintained

The bottom line is that well-maintained equipment will be more energy efficient. Poorly maintained equipment has to work harder to do the same amount of work a well-maintained machine will do. Over time, this can lead to excessive wear and tear that may result in the complete shutdown of your equipment. Take advantage of any preventative maintenance plan offered by the manufacturer. If one is unavailable, reach out to an industry professional for the job. Regular maintenance will not only ensure your equipment works, but it will also lead to considerable energy savings in the long run.

Increase Employee Awareness

It would be difficult for you to reduce energy consumption without the support of your employees. It’s a good idea to communicate the importance of energy efficiency and develop a plan to ensure each employee will comply with your updated standards. This may involve putting together materials to remind them of best energy practices. Create an energy management team that’s responsible for monitoring energy usage while developing new ideas for minimizing energy consumption.

Use these tips to help you keep energy costs down and save your business thousands of dollars a year. To learn more about how your facility can reduce energy, contact the team from Valley Power Systems. We offer a wide range of power solutions to California businesses. We look forward to working with you for all of your energy needs.